Beam Research Project

Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Public Art Sector

Beam are excited to launch a new report, commissioned by Beam and researched and written by Boseda Olawoye.

The research and report aims to explore and address why Artist commissioning opportunities in the area of public art do not seem to attract a diverse range of Artists from different backgrounds. Our national body CVAN were involved in the research process.

Over a period of 9 months, Boseda worked with Beam’s public art consultants and Board of Trustees, carried out desktop research and interviewed a network of diverse organisations and diverse Artists at varying career stages to explore the barriers they face in developing their practice in the public art sector.

The research raised more questions than answers. Who is commissioning the work? What is classed as art in the public realm? What kind of work are Artists from under-represented groups interested in creating?